Reds refute takeover talks / Attempts made to discredit Rick Parry - Echo

Further to the story we reported from the BBC this morning regarding a Liverpool takeover bid coming from the states, we've now got a denial from the Echo. The Echo is well-known to be LFC's outlet for news that it wants to get out, and their contacts are at the highest level within the club. Additionally they mention the Liverpool side of a story that seems to be set out to cause upset to Brian Clough's family at the expense of Rick Parry's reputation. The story seems to be ungrounded. Read on...

Liverpool Echo, 24 Sept 2004
Reds refute takeover talks

LIVERPOOL are not discussing a £100m takeover of the club with an American
consortium, the ECHO can confirm.

And the Reds have no meetings planned with the Hollywood-based group.

Liverpool-born filmmaker Mike Jeffries, and Stuart Ford, the Senior Vice
President of Acquisitions at Miramax Studios, claimed today they were in
talks with Chairman David Moores.

The duo did approach the club to offer help in attracting investment to the
club.

However, the club has already appointed its own financial advisors,
Hawkpoint, who are currently analysing different options.

Reds officials were bemused by reports suggesting a £100m takeover bid from
the US group is imminent. There has been no contact between Liverpool and
the consortium beyond an initial approach from Jeffries.

No arrangements have been made at this stage for a second meeting.

Earlier Jeffries, chairman of LA firm Milkshake Films, said: "We have one
of the best managers in the world and he needs some quivers on his arrows
to get this club back where it belongs.

"It's essential that the club get investment before January, so that the
manager can strengthen the squad."

Meanwhile, Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has been criticised by
former Nottingham Forest striker Garry Birtles for saying Brian Clough
should have been charged by the FA for taking bungs.

However, the quotes attributed to Parry were made over six years ago.

Parry responded to a Premier League Commission which took place in the late
1990s into bungtaking by making the observations about Clough.

He was asked by a reporter earlier this week if he stood by the comments,
which he does, but did not repeat them in the immediate aftermath of
Clough's death.

Birtles has accused Parry of insensitivity, but Liverpool insiders pointed
out today the chief executive was approached by others attempting to
reignite the story, and not the other way around.